The Detroit Pistons will pay a visit to Ball Arena to take on the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. With that said, it’s a good time to check out our NBA odds series, which includes our Pistons-Nuggets prediction, odds, and pick we have laid out below.
The Detroit Pistons lost to the Utah Jazz, 111-101, in their most recent outing on Friday night. Despite the double-digit defeat, the Pistons actually held their own against one of the top teams in the West. The game was close all throughout until the Jazz pulled away down the stretch. Utah finished the game on a 6-0 run while Detroit failed to score in the last two minutes. No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham paced the Pistons with an all-around outing of 25 points, six rebounds, five assists, two steals, and three blocks.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets lost at home to Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies last Friday, 122-118. Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic was up to usual tricks against Memphis, dropping a 26-11-12 triple-double. That was preceded by another virtuoso triple-double performance on Wednesday in a close win over the L.A. Clippers. Jokic notched 49 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists, while delivering the game-winning dime to a wide open Aaron Gordon triple that won them the game and turned the Nuggets into a frenzy.
Here is how FanDuel has set the Pistons-Nuggets NBA odds for this Saturday night NBA matchup.
NBA odds: Pistons–Nuggets Odds
Detroit Pistons: +11.5 (-114)
Denver Nuggets: -11.5 (-106)
Over: 218 (-110)
Under: 218 (-110)
Why the Pistons could cover the spread
The Pistons are the obvious underdogs for this match-up. The question is, will they be able to avoid losing by more than 11 points? For a team like Detroit, they are susceptible to getting blown out by better teams from time to time. And even if they keep the game close, their inexperience could show down the stretch and end up losing by double-digits, just as they did against the Jazz.
Nonetheless, the Pistons have been relatively playing better as of late. Before the loss to Utah, they beat the Sacramento Kings in a 133-131 affair. They also defeated the Toronto Raptors by 16 points last week.
Jerami Grant, who has been the subject of numerous trade rumors, will miss his 21st consecutive game after getting placed in the health and safety protocols. Kelly Olynyk is also out due to protocols, while Frank Jackson will still not suit up as he makes his way back into game shape following a bout with COVID.
The Pistons hold the second worst record in the NBA at 11-34 and have a 4-15 record against Western Conference teams. They are much better against the spread, however, with a 21-23 line.
Why the Nuggets could cover the spread
Despite being without Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., the Denver Nuggets have the clear edge on this one. There is good reason to believe they can cover the spread, especially with the way Nikola Jokic is playing at an MVP level once again for the second consecutive season. The Joker moved up to the top spot in the NBA's Race to the MVP Ladder this week and should stay following his huge performances this week.
Aside from Murray and Porter, the Nuggets have may also be without Jeff Green and Jamychal Green for Sunday. Jeff Green is questionable due to a left quad contusion, while Jamychal Green is also questionable due to health and safety protocols. The latter has been out of Denver's lineup for five straight games.
The Nuggets have gotten some much needed support from guys such as Aaron Gordon, Will Barton, and Monte Morris, all of whom have stepped up in the absence of Murray and Porter. Still, Nikola Jokic will need to play like an MVP on a nightly basis just to keep the Nuggets afloat in the Western Conference standings.
The Nuggets are 23-21 overall this season and have an even 7-7 mark against non-conference teams. Against the spread, however, they are well below .500 at just 18-26. That may be something to consider when making this bet.
Final Pistons–Nuggets prediction and pick
This is a tough one. The Nuggets are obviously the favorite, but will they be able to win by at least 12? There is more inclination to go with the Pistons on this one. Nikola Jokic may be balling out of his mind as of late, but it's hard to discredit the way Detroit has looked over its last two outings. Complacency is a real thing in the NBA and the Nuggets know they have the edge talent-wise over the Pistons. If Detroit catches them doing so, they could keep things close and interesting, despite playing on the road. Cade Cunningham also seems to be coming into his own and he could continue his upward trend on Sunday.
Final Pistons–Nuggets Prediction & Pick: Pistons: +12 (-114)
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